How to Convert a Sandblaster Into a Soda Blaster

Heather JonesUpdated July 20, 2017

Soda blasting is one of the many new alternatives to sandblasting. The purpose is to strip paint and rust from things such as vehicles or old statues. Baking soda is a more gentle media to blast with than sand because its particles are finer. Many people prefer soda blasting over sandblasting since sodium bicarbonate is free of crystalline silica, which, if inhaled, can cause silicosis to the lungs. Eastwood is the only company that makes sand-to-soda conversion kits.

Find the brass manifold for the sand at the bottom of the sandblaster. Remove the brass manifold with a wrench.

Remove sand residue and Teflon tape from the brass receiver on the sandblaster with a small baby bottle brush or a worn-out toothbrush.

Wrap two layers of Teflon tape counterclockwise around the Eastwood soda converter's manifold.

Install the soda converter manifold in place of the sandblaster manifold that you just removed. Tighten it securely, following instructions of the manufacturer.

Attach the hose connected to the compressor that supplies the air to the air inlet on the soda manifold. Wrap two or three layers of Teflon tape around the manifold once the hose is connected to prevent leaks.

Attach the soda blast nozzle hose to the manifold. Secure the nozzle with the existing hose clamp. Tighten the clamp with a screwdriver.

Warning

The soda restrictor is smaller than the sand restrictor. If the sandblaster contains any sand particles while blasting soda, it can clog. Take your time to carefully remove every speck of sand in the sandblaster's tank before attaching the soda converter.

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About the Author

Heather Jones has been writing since the age of 7 and she began professional freelancing in 2007. Her work appears at Suite101, Associated Content, Helium and Triond. Jones has a high school diploma and was an honor student in journalism and fiction.